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Interview with Ben Hibon Page 1 - Page 2 - Page 3
IT’S ART had the pleasure to talk once again with Ben Hibon, who shares with us some thoughts about his latest work for Harry Potter and Sucker Punch as well as some previous projects. We hope you enjoy this interview with the talented Ben Hibon.
IT'S ART - The last time we spoke you'd just finished the Heavenly Sword series. Since these shorts for the Sony game, you've been involved in lots of projects including commercials, movies, and music video projects. Can you give us an overview of the major?
Ben Hibon - I've just finished working on a series of short films for Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch. Last year I directed an animated sequence in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Before that I worked on a series of commercials for a French bank, directed a teaser trailer for 'A.D.' (a feature project of mine) and shot a live-action promo for the metal band 'Slayer'.
Sucker Punch : Feudal Warrior
Sucker Punch : Distant Planet
I.A. - The A.D. sequence you made in 2009 is really something special compared to the other works you've recently done. Can you speak about this project and the different challenges you've experienced?
B.H. - A.D. is a CG animated horror movie... with zombies. In 2009 we produced a 'proof of concept' teaser with a studio in the US. We've had a lot of interest in the project ever since, but have yet to find the right home for it. We're currently talking to various buyers and distributors, and we're hoping to start production later this year. Setting up new IPs is always a challenge, even more so when you're trying to make an animated movie for a mature audience - making the actual trailer is the easy bit!
I.A. - You have also directed different animated sequences for Harry Potter and Sucker Punch. Does the fact these movies are big blockbusters change the way you direct projects? In what ways?
B.H. - As a director it's rare to get the opportunity to work with other directors. It has been incredibly exciting and instructive to collaborate so closely with such great filmmakers. I don't think bigger budgets affect the way I work. It just allows more flexibility to realise my ideas. The bigger the budget, the bigger the responsibilities and expectations - so in the end it always balances itself out.